Embryonic hope

NERVE cells derived from human embryonic stem cells and transplanted into paralysed rats have enabled the animals to walk again. The findings add to a growing number of studies that suggest embryonic stem cells could have a valuable role to play in treating spinal injuries.

The researchers, whose work was funded by stem cell giant Geron of Menlo Park, California, say trials on people could start in just two years. But the first trials are likely to involve patients with recent spinal cord injuries and localised damage. Treating people who have been paralysed for years or suffer from degenerative nerve diseases would be far more difficult.

Ways will also have to be found to prevent people rejecting the stem cells. One possible alternative to immunosuppressant drugs, Geron president Thomas Okarma told the meeting last week, would be to first give patients bone marrow stem cells from the same source as ...

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